Barefoot RunningBarefoot running, running on bare feet, minimalist running shoes. When you see a runner tearing up the track barefoot you can't help but pay attention. There is something mystical and alluring about someone who can get out there on all terrains without the protection of shoes. Someone who can fully embrace barefoot running. South African runner Zola Budd and Ethiopian Abebe Bikila come readily to mind. When these barefoot runners hit the Olympic stage with their lightening fast bare feet, the world paid attention. The US had its' own star via Charlie Robbins. He won two National Marathon Championships while running barefoot. Why is Barefoot Running Suddenly So Popular?Why is barefoot running so popular? Well, I think it started getting more popular, slowly, anyways. That's just by judging forum discussions, articles, etc.But there is no doubt that popular running book Born to Run helped barefoot (or minimalist running) jump from obscure cult status to full-blown hype. The book is really nicely written. I read it at a time when I wasn't running that much for a while. But the book really inspired me to get back into it. The book advocates barefoot running as the running style that makes sense. The writer argues that "normal" running shoes force you to land on your heels. When barefoot running you land on your mid-foot, the strongest part of the bottom of your feet. When landing on your heels, the shock absorped by your feet and lower legs is larger than when landing on your mid-foot. And this causes all kinds of nasty lower leg, foot and knee injuries. In short: Barefoot/minimalist running = good. Normal running shoes = bad. Is it Really That Simple - Is Barefoot Running Better?The writer of Born to Run had been going through all kinds of nasty running injuries and his barefoot running "cured" him.Well, at least, for a while. Not documented in the book is what happened to the writer after he had spend some time doing his barefoot running. Guess what? He started developing running injuries again. The problem with barefoot running is that you can't just jump into it. The biggest argument against barefoot running is the stress it places on the feet. Without the protection and extra cushion provided by running shoes, the hard surfaces used for races and training can be very harsh on your feet. Many who embrace barefoot running experience a lot of pain. You need to re-learn to run like this. Not landing on your heels will help your lower body absorp the shocks better, that's true. But suddenly other parts of your legs and feet absorp the shocks than before. It's like when you first start running. You need to take it easy. Build up slowly. Don't go too crazy... Additionally, most running surfaces will have rocks, pebbles, glass, and other debris that can scrape and cut into the soles of the feet. Those cuts are susceptible to bacteria which can lead to infection. It could actually present a threat to your health. Heat is another discomfort while running with bare feet. Paved roadways and rubberized tracks will absorb heat and become incredibly hot, which will hurt your feet as you run. So, Should You Do Barefoot Running or Not?I have been talking about this with some of my running friends for a long time now. We think we have found the right way to go about this.Coincidentally, I recently read an interview with famous runner Alberto Salazar, who supports our view. So, if we are wrong, we are at least in good company... :) We think that it is good to do some barefoot running each week. If you are a high mileage runner, then you'd probably do about 10 miles or so per week in your minimalist running shoes / barefoot. The rest of the time you run in your normal running shoes. The 10 miles of barefoot running will help you develop a more natural running style without pushing you through the pains and injuries of barefoot running all the tme. With your natural running style comes an increased running cadence (stride rate) and most likely, over time, faster running times. The good thing is that you will be able to do this more natural running style with your normal running shoes as well. Should You Get Yourself Some Minimalist Running Shoes?Want to embrace barefoot running? And you are prepared to take it easy on yourself. Not run all your miles barefoot, in other words be a bit sensible about it all?Then you should look into some barefoot / minimalist running shoes. There are plenty of alternatives available nowadays. Just check out a few below: Vibram Five Fingers 
These "gloves for your feet" look so cool. Many of us can't resist the temptation of getting a pair. They bring you closest to the barefoot experience. However protection for your feet is minimal as well. So, when you get these, make sure to be extra careful in the adjustment period! Click here for more information about the Vibram Five Fingers Nike Free Running Shoes
Can I be cynical for a moment? In Born to Run it is argued that Nike are the big culprits in bringing us modern running shoes. They developed the product, then they developed the market for it. So, it is a bit funny that Nike now almost does a full circle. They have gone back to running shoes with less protection. Claiming that this is the way we are supposed to run... So, check it out if you must... :) Men's Nike Free - More Info Women's Nike Free - More Info Newton Running Shoes - TOP CHOICE
Now, lastly some running shoes I can really endorse. I have been in contact with the Newton running company. Talking to them about their research, the work that goes into developing their shoes. They are the real deal. Newton running shoes do the best job of mimicking barefoot running. Without many of the dangers associated with it. More info - Newton Running Shoes for Men More info - Newton Running Shoes for Women So when you decide to get back to that purer form of running, prepare for some pain and an adjustment phase. But if you break through it, you may be rewarded with a more natural, better running experience. Further Recommended ReadingBorn to Run Book Review - Get inspired. This is a great book for readers. If this book does not inspire you to run, nothing will! Running Cadence - Part of a more natural running style is to develop a faster running cadence. Check out this article to learn how to improve your running cadence. In this article you can read more about the financial positives of the minimalist running shoe craze on companies like Nike and Under Armour. And see here for another article about the popularity of minimalist running shoes. Want more Best Running Tips ? Then subscribe to the Best Running Tips Newsletter or to my site blog. Go from Barefoot Running Page to Running Training Page Go from Barefoot Running Page to Best Running Tips Homepage Running Training Questions: Ask Your Running Training Questions | Running Training Q&A Summary | Running Workouts: Base Running | Tempo Running | Interval Running | Fartlek / Speed Play | Goal Pace Running | Special Workout: Billat's 4 x 5 | Special Workout: Yasso 800 | Running Workouts | Hill Running Tips and Workouts | Running Programs: Heart Rate Monitor Running Programs | 10K Running Program | Half Marathon Running Program | Running Technique: Running Cadence | Running Strides | Running Technique | Pose Running Technique | Barefoot Running | Other: Running Stretches | Cross Country Running Tips | Cross Training for Runners | How to Improve YOUR Running | Increasing Mileage Safely | Periodization | Five Basic Running Tips | Tips on Running Races | Speed Training | Running Journal / Running Log | Cross Country Running | Running Records Like this page: |
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